A pupil from Rainworth in Nottinghamshire is 'over the moon' after finding out she has earnt a full four year scholarship at a prestigious Ivy League university in New York. Alice Jones, 18, found out the news on her 18th birthday on Thursday, December 15.
Alice is currently a Year 13 pupil at The Joseph Whitaker School's sixth form in Rainworth, where she is predicted A*s in her chosen A-levels of Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. In 2021, the school celebrated former student James Farr, who has been studying at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and staff are thrilled to see another student secure a place at their dream university.
Alice will be studying within the College of Engineering at Cornell University, where she hopes to delve into mechanical engineering. Her four year scholarship covers all costs, including flights, accommodation and food during her studies.
She said: "It hasn't quite sunk in yet. It's just massively overwhelming but I'm so excited and over the moon. I applied around the middle of October, so it was about two months. I had heard back from quite a few universities in the UK, and it was quite a stressful wait but definitely one that was worth it."
Following the news, headteacher Carey Ayres said: "It is wonderful that Alice has had a place at Cornell University, confirmed for her Higher Education studies. The opportunity to study at such a prestigious Ivy League university, situated in Ithaca, New York, is nothing short of incredible.
"Alice has worked consistently hard throughout her time at The Joseph Whitaker School and it is great to see her efforts being rewarded in such an amazing way. We look forward to seeing her flourish there and we will certainly be inviting her back to speak to other students about the opportunities that may be available to them too.
"Well done Alice, you are a credit to yourself, your family and the school. We wish you the very best of luck for the remainder of your Year 13 studies, and as you move to the States for the next stage of your education."
On why she wanted to study abroad and apply for Cornell, Alice said: "James got into Harvard University and he was a close friend, so he showed me how to do it and the process. I'm interested in engineering and it is one of the best engineering courses that I came across, so I'm just very grateful to be given that chance.
"I have always loved maths and have always really enjoyed problem solving. I think engineering takes my love of physics and love of maths and merges them and makes it a lot more practical as well.
"My family are incredibly proud, and they have been the most supportive people out of everyone. When I went to them and said this is what I would like to do, they were obviously shocked and a bit surprised, but they have been amazing and so incredibly supportive."
Alice is looking forward to being able to experience a completely new country, and is excited about her "incredible" course. She added: "This would not be possible without the help of everyone here at Joseph Whitakers, all of the teachers, Mr Jacque especially, and everyone who has written me a reference, it really has been a team effort."
Head of sixth form, Andy Jacques, wished Alice the best of luck and said the school was "incredible proud of her". He said: I'm absolutely delighted that students from these small villages in Nottinghamshire are getting these opportunities and thrilled that we are able to offer support where we can with references to help them achieve their dreams."
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